A client with dysphagia is being prepared for discharge. Which outcome indicates that the client is ready for discharge?
a) The client is free from esophagitis and achalasia.
b) The client reports diminished duodenal inflammation.
c) The client has normal
A) The client is free from esophagitis and achalasia.
Dysphagia may be the reason why a client with esophagitis or achalasia seeks treatment. Therefore, when the client is free of esophagitis or achalasia, he is ready for discharge. Dysphagia isn't associ
When a central venous catheter dressing becomes moist or loose, what should a nurse do first?
a) Notify the physician.
b) Remove the dressing, clean the site, and apply a new dressing.
c) Remove the catheter, check for catheter integrity, and send the tip
B) Remove dressing, clean the site, and apply a new dressing.
A nurse maintaining a central venous catheter should change the dressing every 72 hours or when it becomes soiled, moist, or loose. After removing the soiled dressing, the nurse should use ster
Which of the following represents the medication classification of a proton (gastric acid) pump inhibitor?
a) Famotidine (Pepcid)
b) Metronidazole (Flagyl)
c) Omeprazole (Prilosec)
d) Sucralfate (Carafate)
C) Omeprazole
Omeprazole decreases gastric acid by slowing the hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase pump on the surface of the parietal cells. Sucralfate is a cytoprotective drug. Famotidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist. Metronidazole is an
A client receives a local anesthetic to suppress the gag reflex for a diagnostic procedure of the upper GI tract. Which of the following nursing interventions is advised for this patient?
a) The client should be monitored for any breathing related disorde
B) The client should not be given any food and fluids until the gag reflex returns.
For a client receiving a local anesthetic that suppresses the gag reflex, the nurse is advised to withhold food and fluids until the reflex returns.
A nurse is caring for a client who underwent a subtotal gastrectomy. To manage dumping syndrome, the nurse should advise the client to:
a) restrict fluid intake to 1 qt (1,000 ml)/day.
b) drink liquids only between meals.
c) don't drink liquids 2 hours be
B) Drink liquids only between meals.
A client who experiences dumping syndrome after a subtotal gastrectomy should be advised to ingest liquids between meals rather than with meals. Taking fluids between meals allows for adequate hydration, reduces the am
A patient who has undergone colostomy surgery is experiencing constipation. Which of the following interventions should a nurse consider for such a patient?
a) Instruct the patient to keep a record of food intake
b) Instruct the patient to avoid prune or
C) Suggest fluid intake of at least 2 L per day
For constipation the nurse should suggest a fluid intake of at least 2L per day. The nurse should also offer prune or apple juice because they promote elimination. The nurse should encourage the patient to e
A patient scheduled to undergo an abdominal ultrasonography is advised to do which of the following?
a) Do not undertake any strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test
b) Restrict eating of solid food for 6 to 8 hours before the test.
c) Avoid exposu
B) Avoid eating of solid food for 6 to 8 hours before the test.
For a patient who is scheduled to undergo an abdominal ultrasonography, the patient should restrict herself from solid food for 6 to 8 hours to avoid having images of her test obscured with g
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. When assessing the abdomen, the nurse would expect to find rebound tenderness at which location?
a) Left lower quadrant
b) Left upper quadrant
c) Right upper quadrant
d) Right lower quadrant
D) Right lower quadrant
The pain of acute appendicitis localizes in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) at McBurney's point, an area midway between the umbilicus and the right iliac crest. Often, the pain is worse when manual pressure near the region is sudden
A client with cholelithiasis has a gallstone lodged in the common bile duct. When assessing this client, the nurse expects to note:
a) black, tarry stools.
b) circumoral pallor.
c) light amber urine.
d) yellow sclerae.
D) Yellow sclerae
Yellow sclerae are an early sign of jaundice, which occurs when the common bile duct is obstructed. Urine normally is light amber. Circumoral pallor and black, tarry stools don't occur in common bile duct obstruction; they are signs of h
A client with acute liver failure exhibits confusion, a declining level of consciousness, and slowed respirations. The nurse finds him very difficult to arouse. The diagnostic information which best explains the client's behavior is:
a) elevated liver enz
D) Subnormal serum glucose and elevated serum ammonia levels.
In acute liver failure, serum ammonia levels increase because the liver can't adequately detoxify the ammonia produced in the GI tract. In addition, serum glucose levels decline because the liv
Which outcome indicates effective client teaching to prevent constipation?
a) The client reports engaging in a regular exercise regimen.
b) The client limits water intake to three glasses per day.
c) The client verbalizes consumption of low-fiber foods.
d
A) The client reports engaging in a regular exercise regimen.
The client having a regular exercise program indicates effective teaching. A regular exercise regimen promotes peristalsis and contributes to regular bowel elimination patterns. A low-fiber die
A client with a gastrojejunostomy is beginning to take solid food. Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing dumping syndrome?
a) Slowed heart beat
b) Hyperglycemia
c) Diarrhea
d) Dry skin
C) Diarrhea
Clients with a gastrojejunostomy are at risk for developing the dumping syndrome when they begin to take solid food. This syndrome produces weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, which result from the rapi
A nurse is teaching an elderly client about good bowel habits. Which statement by the client indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is required?
a) "I need to drink 2 to 3 liters of fluids every day."
b) "I should exercise four times per week."
c
C) "I need to use laxatives regularly to prevent constipation."
The client requires more teaching if he states that he'll use laxatives regularly to prevent constipation. The nurse should teach this client to gradually eliminate the use of laxatives becau
A client with inflammatory bowel disease undergoes an ileostomy. On the first day after surgery, the nurse notes that the client's stoma appears dusky. How should the nurse interpret this finding?
a) The ostomy bag should be adjusted.
b) Blood supply to t
B) Blood supply to the stoma has been interrupted.
An ileostomy stoma forms as the ileum is brought through the abdominal wall to the surface skin, creating an artificial opening for waste elimination. The stoma should appear cherry red, indicating adequa
A client is scheduled for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to detect lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. The nurse would observe for which of the following while assessing the client during the procedure?
a) Signs of perforation
b) Gag reflex
c) Cli
C) Client's tolerance for pain and discomfort
The nurse has to assess the client's tolerance for pain and discomfort during the procedure. The nurse should assess the signs of perforation and the gag reflex after the procedure of EGD and not during the pr
What kind of feeding should be administered to a client who is at the risk of diarrhea due to hypertonic feeding solutions?
a) Bolus feeding
b) Intermittent feeding
c) Cyclic feeding
d) Continuous feedings
D) Continuous feedings.
Continuous feedings should be administered to a client who is at the risk of diarrhea due to hypertonic feeding solutions.
The nurse is preparing to measure the client's abdominal girth as part of the physical examination. At which location would the nurse most likely measure?
a) At the lower border of the liver
b) In the right upper quadrant
c) At the umbilicus
d) Just below
C) At the umbilicus
Measurement of abdominal girth is done at the widest point, which is usually the umbilicus. The right upper quadrant, lower border of the liver, or just below the last rib would be inappropriate sites for abdominal girth measurement.
A client is diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The physician begins the client on cyanocobalamin (Betalin-12), 100 mcg I.M. daily. Which substance influences vitamin B12 absorption?
a) Hydrochloric acid
b) Histamine
c) L
D) Intrinsic factor
Vitamin B12 absorption depends on intrinsic factor, which is secreted by parietal cells in the stomach. The vitamin binds with intrinsic factor and is absorbed in the ileum. Hydrochloric acid, histamine, and liver enzymes don't influen
Patients diagnosed with esophageal varices are at risk for hemorrhagic shock. Which of the following is a sign of potential hypovolemia?
a) Hypotension
b) Bradycardia
c) Warm moist skin
d) Polyuria
A) Hypotension
Signs of potential hypovolemia include cool, clammy skin, tachycardia, decreased blood pressure, and decreased urine output.
The nurse is assessing a client with a bleeding gastric ulcer. When examining the client's stool, which of the following characteristics would the nurse be most likely to find?
a) Green color and texture
b) Black and tarry appearance
c) Clay-like quality
B) Black and tarry appearance
Black and tarry stools (melena) are a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. As the blood moves through the GI system, digestive enzymes turn red blood to black. Bright red blood in the stool is a sign of
After teaching a group of students about the various organs of the upper gastrointestinal tract and possible disorders, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following structures as possibly bei
C) Stomach
The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract begins at the mouth and ends at the jejunum. Therefore, the stomach would be a component of the upper GI tract. The lower GI tract begins at the ileum and ends at the anus. The liver is considered an access
A nurse is providing care for a client recovering from gastric bypass surgery. During assessment, the client exhibits pallor, perspiration, palpitations, headache, and feelings of warmth, dizziness, and drowsiness. The client reports eating 90 minutes ago
D) Vasomotor symptoms associated with dumping syndrome
Early manifestations of dumping syndrome occur 15 to 30 minutes after eating. Signs and symptoms include vertigo, tachycardia, syncope, sweating, pallor, palpitations, diarrhea, nausea, and the desire
A nurse is caring for a client with active upper GI bleeding. What is the appropriate diet for this client during the first 24 hours after admission?
a) Skim milk
b) Nothing by mouth
c) Regular diet
d) Clear liquids
B) NPO
Shock and bleeding must be controlled before oral intake, so the client should receive nothing by mouth. When the bleeding is controlled, the diet is gradually increased, starting with ice chips and then clear liquids. Skim milk shouldn't be given
Which of the following is a protrusion of the intestine through a weakened area in the abdominal wall?
a) Tumor
b) Adhesion
c) Hernia
d) Volvulus
C) Hernia
A hernia is a protrusion of intestine through a weakened area in the abdominal muscle or wall. A tumor that extends into the intestinal lumen, or a tumor outside the intestine causes pressure on the wall of the intestine. Volvulus occurs when th
A client with a disorder of the oral cavity cannot tolerate tooth brushing or flossing. Which of the following strategies can the nurse employ to assist this client?
a) Regularly wipe the outside of the client's mouth to prevent germs from entering.
b) Pr
B) Provide the client with an irrigating solution of baking soda and warm water
If a client cannot tolerate brushing or flossing, an irrigating solution of 1 tsp of baking soda to 8 oz of warm water, half strength hydrogen peroxide, or normal saline solut
Which of the following terms is used to refer to intestinal rumbling?
a) Diverticulitis
b) Tenesmus
c) Borborygmus
d) Azotorrhea
C) Borborygmus
Borborygmus is the intestinal rumbling that accompanies diarrhea. Tenesmus is the term used to refer to ineffectual straining at stool. Azotorrhea is the term used to refer to excess of nitrogenous matter in the feces or urine. Diverticulit
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group about hepatitis. Which of the following would the nurse include?
a) Hepatitis B is transmitted primarily by the oral-fecal route.
b) Hepatitis A is frequently spread by sexual contact.
c) Hep
C) Hep C increases a person's risk for liver cancer
Infection with hepatitis C increases the risk of a person developing hepatic (liver) cancer. Hepatitis A is transmitted primarily by the oral-fecal route; hepatitis B is frequently spread by sexual conta
To prevent gastroesophageal reflux in a client with hiatal hernia, the nurse should provide which discharge instruction?
a) "Lie down after meals to promote digestion."
b) "Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages."
c) "Limit fluid intake with meals."
d) "Tak
B) Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages
To prevent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, the nurse should advise the client to avoid foods and beverages that increase stomach acid, such as coffee and alcohol. The nurse also should teach the client to
After assessing a client with peritonitis, the nurse most likely would document the client's bowel sounds as:
a) Absent.
b) High-pitched.
c) Mild.
d) Hyperactive.
A) Absent
Since lack of bowel motility typically accompanies peritonitis, bowel sounds are absent. Therefore, the nurse will not observe mild, high-pitched, or hyperactive bowel sounds.
A client has noticed increased incidence of constipation since he broke his ankle and cannot complete his daily three-mile walk. As his home care nurse, you complete your assessment and discuss the potential causes. During your client education session, w
C) Stool remaining in the large intestine too long
Whenever stool remains stationary in the large intestine, moisture continues to be absorbed from the residue. Consequently, retention of stool, for any number of reasons, causes stool to become dry and ha
The most significant complication related to continuous tube feedings is
a) an interruption in fat metabolism and lipoprotein synthesis.
b) a disturbance in the sequence of intestinal and hepatic metabolism.
c) the interruption of GI integrity,
d) the pot
D) The potential for aspiration
Because the normal swallowing mechanism is bypassed, consideration of the danger of aspiration must be foremost in the mind of the nurse caring for the patient receiving continuous tube feedings. Tube feedings preserve GI i
The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. Which assessment findings indicate that the client has deficient vitamin K absorption caused by this hepatic disease?
a) Dyspnea and fatigue
b) Ascites and orthopnea
c) Purpura and petechiae
d) Gynecomastia
C) Purpura and petechiae
A hepatic disorder, such as cirrhosis, may disrupt the liver's normal use of vitamin K to produce prothrombin (a clotting factor). Consequently, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, including purpura and pete
Which type of jaundice seen in adults is the result of increased destruction of red blood cells?
a) Obstructive
b) Nonobstructive
c) Hepatocellular
d) Hemolytic
D) Hemolytic
Hemolytic jaundice results because, although the liver is functioning normally, it cannot excrete the bilirubin as quickly as it is formed. Obstructive jaundice is the result of liver disease. Nonobstructive jaundice occurs with hepatitis. He
A client is scheduled for several diagnostic tests to evaluate her gastrointestinal function. After teaching the client about these tests, the nurse determines that the client has understood the teaching when she identifies which test as not requiring the
C) Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a direct visual examination of the entire large intestine. It does not involve the use of a contrast agent. Contrast medium may be used with a small bowel series, computed tomography, and upper GI series.
A nurse is caring for a client who had gastric bypass surgery 2 days ago. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
a) The client states he has been passing gas.
b) The client states he is nauseated.
c) The client's right lower leg is red
C) Client's right lower leg is red and swollen
A red, swollen extremity is a possible sign of a thromboembolism, a common complication after gastric surgery because of the fact that the clients are obese and tend to ambulate less than other surgical clien
When bowel sounds are heard about every 15 seconds, the nurse would record that the bowel sounds are
a) absent.
b) hypoactive.
c) normal.
d) sluggish.
C) Normal
Normal bowel sounds are heard every 5 to 20 seconds. Hypoactive bowel sound is the description given to auscultation of one to two bowel sounds in 2 minutes. Sluggish is not a term a nurse would use to accurately describe bowel sounds. The nurse
Why are antacids administered regularly, rather than as needed, in peptic ulcer disease?
a) To increase pepsin activity
b) To maintain a regular bowel pattern
c) To promote client compliance
d) To keep gastric pH at 3.0 to 3.5
D) To keep gastric pH at 3.0 to 3.5
To maintain a gastric pH of 3.0 to 3.5 throughout each 24-hour period, regular (not as needed) doses of an antacid are needed to treat peptic ulcer disease. Frequent administration of an antacid tends to decrease client
A nurse is teaching a group of middle-aged men about peptic ulcers. When discussing risk factors for peptic ulcers, the nurse should mention:
a) alcohol abuse and a history of acute renal failure.
b) a history of hemorrhoids and smoking.
c) a sedentary li
D) Alcochol abuse and smoking
The nurse should mention that risk factors for peptic (gastric and duodenal) ulcers include alcohol abuse, smoking, and stress. A sedentary lifestyle and a history of hemorrhoids aren't risk factors for peptic ulcers. Chronic
Crohn's disease is a condition of malabsorption caused by which of the following pathophysiological processes?
a) Gastric resection
b) Infectious disease
c) Inflammation of all layers of intestinal mucosa
d) Disaccharidase deficiency
C) Inflammation of all layers of intestinal mucosa
Crohn's disease is also known as regional enteritis and can occur anywhere along the GI tract, but most commonly at the distal ileum and in the colon. Infectious disease causes problems such as small bowe
What are medium-length nasoenteric tubes are used for?
a) Aspiration
b) Emptying
c) Decompression
d) Feeding
D) Feeding
Placement of the tube must be verified prior to any feeding. A gastric sump and nasoenteric tube are used for gastrointestinal decompression. Nasoenteric tubes are used for feeding. Gastric sump tubes are used to decompress the stomach and keep
Which diagnostic test is used first to evaluate a client with upper GI bleeding?
a) Hemoglobin levels and hematocrit (HCT)
b) Endoscopy
c) Arteriography
d) Upper GI series
A) Hemoglobin levels and hematocrit
Hemoglobin and HCT are typically performed first in clients with upper GI bleeding to evaluate the extent of blood loss. Endoscopy is then performed to directly visualize the upper GI tract and locate the source of blee
A client is admitted to the health care facility with a diagnosis of a bleeding gastric ulcer. The nurse expects this client's stools to be:
a) black and tarry.
b) coffee-ground-like.
c) bright red.
d) clay-colored.
A) Black and tarry
Black, tarry stools are a sign of bleeding high in the GI tract, as from a gastric ulcer, and result from the action of digestive enzymes on the blood. Vomitus associated with upper GI tract bleeding commonly is described as coffee-grou
Blood shed in sufficient quantities into the upper GI tract, produces which color of stool?
a) Bright red
b) Milky white
c) Green
d) Tarry-black
D) Tarry-black
Blood shed in sufficient quantities into the upper GI tract produces a tarry-black stool. Blood entering the lower portion of the GI tract or passing rapidly through it will appear bright or dark red. A milky white stool is indicative "of
Which of the following would be the least important assessment in a patient diagnosed with ascites?
a) Measurement of abdominal girth
b) Palpation of abdomen for a fluid shift
c) Foul-smelling breath
d) Weight
C) Foul smelling breath
Foul-smelling breath would not be considered an important assessment for this patient. Measurement of abdominal girth, weight, and palpation of the abdomen for a fluid shift are all important assessment parameters for the patient d
The patient is on a continuous tube feeding. The tube placement should be checked every
a) 24 hours.
b) 12 hours.
c) hour.
d) shift.
D) Shift
Each nurse caring for the patient is responsible for verifying that the tube is located in the proper area for continuous feeding. Checking for placement each hour is unnecessary unless the patient is extremely restless or there is basis for rech
A nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with hepatitis A. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?
a) "I'll wash my hands often."
b) "How did this happen? I've been faithful my entire marriage."
c) "I'll take all my me
B) How did this happen? I've been faithful my entire marriage
The client requires further teaching if he suggests that he acquired the virus through sexual contact. Hepatitis A is transmitted by the oral-fecal route or through ingested food or liquid that
A client is evaluated for severe pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant, which is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The physician diagnoses acute cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. For this client, which nursing diagnosis takes top priority?
a) Imbal
D) Acute pain related to biliary spasms
The chief symptom of cholecystitis is abdominal pain or biliary colic. Typically, the pain is so severe that the client is restless and changes positions frequently to find relief. Therefore, the nursing diagnosis o
A client with dysphagia is being prepared for discharge. Which outcome indicates that the client is ready for discharge?
a) The client is free from esophagitis and achalasia.
b) The client doesn't exhibit rectal tenesmus.
c) The client has normal gastric
A) The client is free from esophagitis and achalasia
Dysphagia may be the reason why a client with esophagitis or achalasia seeks treatment. Therefore, when the client is free of esophagitis or achalasia, he is ready for discharge. Dysphagia isn't associa
Which client requires immediate nursing intervention? The client who:
a) complains of epigastric pain after eating.
b) complains of anorexia and periumbilical pain.
c) presents with ribbonlike stools.
d) presents with a rigid, boardlike abdomen.
D) Presents with a rigid, boardlike abdomen
A rigid, boardlike abdomen is a sign of peritonitis, a possibly life-threatening condition. Epigastric pain occurring 90 minutes to 3 hours after eating indicates a duodenal ulcer. Anorexia and periumbilical pai
A nurse is applying an ostomy appliance to the ileostomy of a client with ulcerative colitis. Which action is appropriate?
a) Maintaining wrinkles in the faceplate so it doesn't irritate the skin
b) Gently washing the area surrounding the stoma using a fa
B) Gently washing the area surrounding the stoma using a facecloth and mild soap
For a client with an ostomy, maintaining skin integrity is a priority. The nurse should gently wash the area surrounding the stoma using a facecloth and mild soap. Scrubbing
Crohn's disease is a condition of malabsorption caused by which of the following pathophysiological processes?
a) Infectious disease
b) Gastric resection
c) Disaccharidase deficiency
d) Inflammation of all layers of intestinal mucosa
D) Inflammation of all layers of intestinal mucosa
Crohn's disease is also known as regional enteritis and can occur anywhere along the GI tract, but most commonly at the distal ileum and in the colon. Infectious disease causes problems such as small bowe
A longitudinal tear or ulceration in the lining of the anal canal is termed a (an)
a) hemorrhoid.
b) anorectal abscess.
c) anal fissure.
d) anal fistula.
C) Anal fissure
Fissures are usually caused by the trauma of passing a large, firm stool or from persistent tightening of the anal canal secondary to stress or anxiety (leading to constipation). An anorectal abscess is an infection in the pararectal space
Which of the following medications used for the treatment of obesity prevents the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine?
a) Sibutramine hydrochloride (Meridia)
b) Orlistat (Xenical)
c) Bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin)
d) Fluoxetine hydrochloride (P
A) Sibutramine hydrochloride (Meridia)
Sibutramine hydrochloride (Meridia) inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Meridia decreases appetite. Orlistat (Xenical) prevents the absorption of triglycerides. Side effects of Xenical may include
A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing a diagnostic workup for a suspected GI problem. The client reports gnawing epigastric pain following meals and heartburn. The nurse suspects the client has:
a) diverticulitis.
b) peptic ulcer disease.
c) ap
D) Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease is characterized by dull, gnawing pain in the midepigastrium or the back that worsens with eating. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by exacerbations and remissions of severe bloody diarrhea. Appendicitis is
A client with acute liver failure exhibits confusion, a declining level of consciousness, and slowed respirations. The nurse finds him very difficult to arouse. The diagnostic information which best explains the client's behavior is:
a) subnormal serum gl
A) Subnormal serum glucose and elevated serum ammonia levels
In acute liver failure, serum ammonia levels increase because the liver can't adequately detoxify the ammonia produced in the GI tract. In addition, serum glucose levels decline because the live
Which of the following indicates an overdose of lactulose?
a) Hypoactive bowel sounds
b) Constipation
c) Watery diarrhea
d) Fecal impaction
C) Watery diarrhea
The patient receiving lactulose is monitored closely for the development of watery diarrheal stool, which indicates a medication overdose.
A nurse is teaching a client with malabsorption syndrome about the disorder and its treatment. The client asks which part of the GI tract absorbs food. The nurse tells the client that products of digestion are absorbed mainly in the:
a) rectum.
b) stomach
C) Small intestine
The small intestine absorbs products of digestion, completes food digestion, and secretes hormones that help control the secretion of bile, pancreatic juice, and intestinal secretions. The stomach stores, mixes, and liquefies the food b
Why should total parental nutrition (TPN) be used cautiously in clients with pancreatitis?
a) Such clients can digest high-fat foods.
b) Such clients are at risk for hepatic encephalopathy.
c) Such clients are at risk for gallbladder contraction.
d) Such
D) Such clients cannot tolerate high glucose concentration
Total parental nutrition (TPN) is used carefully in clients with pancreatitis because some clients cannot tolerate a high-glucose concentration even with insulin coverage. Intake of coffee increas
After teaching a group of students about the various organs of the upper gastrointestinal tract and possible disorders, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following structures as possibly bei
D) Stomach
The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract begins at the mouth and ends at the jejunum. Therefore, the stomach would be a component of the upper GI tract. The lower GI tract begins at the ileum and ends at the anus. The liver is considered an access
A group of students are studying for an examination on the gastrointestinal (GI) system and are reviewing the structures of the esophagus and stomach. The students demonstrate understanding of the material when they identify which of the following as the
C) Pyloric Sphincter
The pyloric sphincter is the opening between the stomach and duodenum. The cardiac sphincter is the opening between the esophagus and the stomach. The hypopharyngeal sphincter or upper esophageal sphincter prevents food or fluids from
Which of the following is the major carbohydrate that tissue cells use as fuel?
a) Proteins
b) Fats
c) Chyme
d) Glucose
D) Glucose
Glucose is the major carbohydrate that tissue cells use as fuel. Proteins are a source of energy after they are broken down into amino acids and peptides. Chyme stays in the small intestine for 3 to 6 hours, allowing for continued breakdown and
The nurse asks a client to point to where she feels pain. The client asks why this is important. The nurse's best response would be which of the following?
a) "This determines the pain medication to be ordered."
b) "If the doctor massages over the exact p
C) Often the area of pain is referred from another area
Pain can be a major symptom of disease. The location and distribution of pain can be referred from a different area. If a client points to an area of pain and has other symptoms associated with a cer
A client is scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During the client teaching, the nurse will discuss which of the following?
a) "The examination will take only 15 minutes."
b) "You must be NPO for the day before the examination."
c) "Do you expe
C) Do you experience any claustrophobia?
MRI is a noninvasive technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the area being studied. Clients must be NPO for 6 to 8 hours before the study and remove all jewelry and other metals. T
A nurse is providing postprocedure instructions for a client who had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The nurse should perform which action?
a) Tell the client to call back in the morning so she can give him instructions over the phone.
b) Review the instru
B) Review the instructions with the person accompanying the client home
A client who undergoes esophagogastroduodenoscopy receives sedation during the procedure, and his memory becomes impaired. Clients tend not to remember instructions provided after the
A nurse is preparing a client for a protcosigmoidoscopy. Identify the quadrant on which this diagnostic test will focus.
A) RUQ
B) RLQ
C) LUQ
D) LLQ
D) LLQ
The sigmoid colon is in the left lower quadrant. Proctosigmoidoscopy is examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon using a rigid endoscope inserted anally about 10 inches.
The most common cause of esophageal varices includes which of the following?
a) Portal hypertension
b) Asterixis
c) Jaundice
d) Ascites
A) Portal hypertension
Esophageal varices are almost always caused by portal hypertension, which results from obstruction of the portal circulation within the damaged liver. Jaundice occurs when the bilirubin concentration in the blood is abnormally eleva
Which of the follow statements provide accurate information regarding cancer of the colon and rectum?
a) There is no hereditary component to colon cancer.
b) Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second most common type of internal cancer in the United St
B) Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second most common type of internal cancer in the US
Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second most common type of internal cancer in the United States. Colon cancer affects more than twice as many people as doe
Blood shed in sufficient quantities into the upper GI tract, produces which color of stool?
a) Tarry-black
b) Milky white
c) Green
d) Bright red
A) Tarry-black
Blood shed in sufficient quantities into the upper GI tract produces a tarry-black stool. Blood entering the lower portion of the GI tract or passing rapidly through it will appear bright or dark red. A milky white stool is indicative "of
A nurse is receiving report from the emergency room regarding a new client being admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. The nurse expects the age of the client will be between
a) 20 and 30 years
b) 15 and 25 years
C) 40 to 60 years
Peptic ulcer disease occurs with the greatest frequency in people 40 to 60 years old. It is relatively uncommon in women of childbearing age, but it has been observed in children and even in infants.
A nurse is interviewing a client about his past medical history. Which preexisting condition may lead the nurse to suspect that a client has colorectal cancer?
a) Polyps
b) Weight gain
c) Hemorrhoids
d) Duodenal ulcers
A) Polyps
Colorectal polyps are common with colon cancer. Duodenal ulcers and hemorrhoids aren't preexisting conditions of colorectal cancer. Weight loss � not gain � is an indication of colorectal cancer.
The nurse observes dry mucous membranes in a client who is receiving tube feedings after an oral surgery. The client also complains of unpleasant tastes and odors. Which of the following measures should be included in the client's plan of care?
a) Provide
A) Provide frequent mouth care
Frequent mouth care helps to relieve the discomfort from dryness and unpleasant odors and tastes. It can be done with the help of ice chips and analgesic throat lozenges, gargles, or sprays. Adequate hydration is essential.
A client with a peptic ulcer is about to begin a therapeutic regimen that includes a bland diet, antacids, and famotidine (Pepcid). Before the client is discharged, the nurse should provide which instruction?
a) "Eat three balanced meals every day."
b) "A
B) Avoid aspirin and products that contain aspirin
The nurse should instruct the client to avoid aspirin because it's a gastric irritant and should not be taken by clients with peptic ulcer to prevent further erosion of the stomach lining. The client shou
The nurse is checking the residual content for a client who is receiving intermittent feedings. Which residual content, if obtained, would lead the nurse to delay the feeding?
a) 120 mL
b) 60 mL
c) 30 mL
d) 90 mL
A) 120 mL
Feedings typically are delayed if the residual content measures more than 100 mL for intermittent feedings or 10% to 20% of the hourly amount of a continuous feeding. Thus a residual content of 120 mL would require the nurse to delay the feeding
A nurse is preparing a client with Crohn's disease for a barium enema. What should the nurse do the day before the test?
a) Encourage plenty of fluids.
b) Order a high-fiber diet.
c) Serve dairy products.
d) Serve the client his usual diet.
A) Encourage plenty of fluids
The nurse should encourage plenty of fluids because adequate fluid intake is necessary to avoid dehydration that may be caused by the bowel preparation and to prevent fecal impaction after the procedure. The client may be pla
A 24-year-old athlete is admitted to the trauma unit following a motor-vehicle collision. The client is comatose and has developed ascites as a result of the accident. You are explaining the client's condition to his parents. In your education, what do yo
C) Absorb nutrients
The primary function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from the chyme.
A physician has ordered a liver biopsy for a client whose condition is deteriorating. Which of the following places the client at high risk due to her altered liver function during the biopsy?
a) Low platelet count
b) Low hemoglobin
c) Decreased prothromb
A) Low platelet count
Certain blood tests provide information about liver function. Prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and low platelet count place the client at high risk for hemorrhage. The client may receive intravenous (IV) administration of vitamin K or
When caring for a client with an acute exacerbation of a peptic ulcer, the nurse finds the client doubled up in bed with severe pain to his right shoulder. The intial appropriate action by the nurse is to
a) Assess the client's abdomen and vital signs.
b)
A) Assess the client's abdomen and vital signs
Signs and symptoms of perforation includes sudden, severe upper abdominal pain (persisting and increasing in intensity); pain may be referred to the shoulders, especially the right shoulder, because of irrita
A client with complaints of right lower quadrant pain is admitted to the emergency department. Blood specimens are drawn and sent to the laboratory. Which laboratory finding should be reported to the physician immediately?
a) Hematocrit 42%
b) Serum potas
D) White blood cell (WBC) count 22.8/mm3
The nurse should report the elevated WBC count. This finding, which is a sign of infection, indicates that the client's appendix might have ruptured. Hematocrit of 42%, serum potassium of 4.2 mEq/L, and serum sodiu
A client is admitted to the healthcare facility suspected of having acute pancreatitis and undergoes laboratory testing. Which of the following would the nurse expect to find?
a) Decreased white blood cell count
b) Increased serum calcium levels
c) Elevat
c) Elevated urine amylase levels
Elevated serum and urine amylase, lipase, and liver enzyme levels accompany significant pancreatitis. If the common bile duct is obstructed, the bilirubin level is above normal. Blood glucose levels and white blood cell co
The nurse recognizes that the patient diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer will likely experience
a) weight loss.
b) vomiting.
c) pain 2 to 3 hours after a meal.
d) hemorrhage.
C) Pain 2 to 3 hours after a meal
The patient with a gastric ulcer often awakens between 1 to 2 with pain, and ingestion of food brings relief. Vomiting is uncommon in the patient with duodenal ulcer. Hemorrhage is less likely in the patient with duodenal
A client with diabetes begins to have digestive problems and is told by the physician that they are a complication of the diabetes. Which of the following explanations from the nurse is most accurate?
a) Insulin has an adverse effect of constipation.
b) T
D) The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes
While the pancreas has the well-known function of secreting insulin, it also secretes digestive enzymes. These enzymes include trypsin, amylase, and lipase. If the secretion of these enzymes are affected by a dis
A client with an esophageal stricture is about to undergo esophageal dilatation. As the bougies are passed down the esophagus, the nurse should instruct the client to do which action to minimize the vomiting urge?
a) Hold his breath
b) Bear down as if hav
D) Take long, slow breaths
During passage of the bougies used to dilate the esophagus, the client should take long, slow breaths to minimize the vomiting urge. Having the client hold the breath, bear down as if having a bowel movement, or pant like a dog
A nursing instructor tells the class that review of oral hygiene is an important component during assessment of the gastrointestinal system. One of the students questions this statement. Which of the following explanations from the nurse educator is most
A) Injury to the oral mucosa or tooth decay can lead to difficulty in chewing food
Poor oral hygiene can result in injury to the oral mucosa, lip, or palate; tooth decay; or loss of teeth. Such problems may lead to disruption in the digestive system. The
Which of the following terms describes a gastric secretion that combines with vitamin B12 so that it can be absorbed?
a) Amylase
b) Trypsin
c) Pepsin
d) Intrinsic factor
D) Intrinsic factor
Intrinsic factor, secreted by the gastric mucosa, combines with dietary vitamin B12 so that the vitamin can be absorbed in the ileum. In the absence of intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed and pernicious anemia results. Amy
A client presents with complaints of blood in her stools. Upon inspection, the nurse notes streaks of bright red blood visible on the outer surface of formed stool. Which of the following will the nurse further investigate with this client?
a) Ingestion o
C) Presence or history of hemorrhoids
Stool is normally light to dark brown. Blood in the stool can present in various ways and must be investigated. Lower rectal or anal bleeding is suspected if there is streaking of blood on the surface of the stool or
A client is to have an upper GI procedure with barium ingestion and abdominal ultrasonography. While scheduling these diagnostic tests, the nurse must consider which factor?
a) The client may eat a light meal before either test.
b) Both tests need to be d
d) The ultrasonography should be scheduled before the GI procedure
Both an upper GI procedure with barium ingestion and an ultrasonography may be completed on the same day. The ultrasonography test should be completed first, because the barium solution co
While palpating a client's right upper quadrant (RUQ), the nurse would expect to find which structure?
a) Spleen
b) Appendix
c) Liver
d) Sigmoid colon
C) Liver
The RUQ contains the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of the pancreas, hepatic flexure of the colon, portions of the ascending and transverse colon, and a portion of the right kidney. The sigmoid colon is located in the left lower quadrant; the
The nurse is preparing to examine the abdomen of a client complaining of a change in his bowel pattern. The nurse would place the client in which position?
a) Lithotomy
b) Supine with knees flexed
c) Knee-chest
d) Left Sim's lateral
B) Supine with knees flexed
When examining the abdomen, the client lies supine with his knees flexed. This position assists in relaxing the abdominal muscles. The lithotomy position commonly is used for a female pelvic examination and to examine the rectu
What part of the GI tract begins the digestion of food?
a) Stomach
b) Mouth
c) Duodenum
d) Esophagus
B) Mouth
Food that contains starch undergoes partial digestion when it mixes with the enzyme salivary amylase, which the salivary glands secrete.
A client is scheduled for several diagnostic tests to evaluate her gastrointestinal function. After teaching the client about these tests, the nurse determines that the client has understood the teaching when she identifies which test as not requiring the
B) Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a direct visual examination of the entire large intestine. It does not involve the use of a contrast agent. Contrast medium may be used with a small bowel series, computed tomography, and upper GI series.
A physician plans to send a client home with supplies to complete a hemoccult test on all stools for 3 days. During the client education, the nurse informs the client to avoid which of the following medications while collecting stool for the test?
a) ibup
A) Ibprofen (Advil)
Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is one of the most commonly performed stool tests. FOBT can be done at the bedside, in the physician's office, or at home. The client is taught to avoid aspirin, red meats, nonsteroidal antiinflammator
A client comes into the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain. Which of the following should the nurse ask first?
a) Family history of ruptured appendix
b) Characteristics and duration of pain
c) Concerns about impending hospital stay
d)
B) Characteristics and duration of pain
A focused abdominal assessment begins with a complete history. The nurse must obtain information about abdominal pain. Pain can be a major symptom of gastrointestinal disease. The character, duration, pattern, frequ
A client presented with gastrointestinal bleeding 2 days ago and continues to have problems. The physician has ordered a visualization of the small intestine via a capsule endoscopy. Which of the following will the nurse include in the client education ab
B) You will need to swallow a capsule
A capsule endoscopy allows for noninvasive visualization of the small intestinal mucosa. The technique consists of the client swallowing a capsule that is embedded with a wireless miniature camera, which is propelled
A patient scheduled to undergo an abdominal ultrasonography is advised to do which of the following?
a) Restrict eating of solid food for 6 to 8 hours before the test.
b) Do not consume anything sweet for 24 hours before the test
c) Do not undertake any s
A) Restrict eating of solid food for 6 to 8 hours before the test
For a patient who is scheduled to undergo an abdominal ultrasonography, the patient should restrict herself from solid food for 6 to 8 hours to avoid having images of her test obscured with
The nurse is to obtain a stool specimen from a client who reported that he is taking iron supplements. The nurse would expect the stool to be which color?
a) Black
b) Red
c) Dark brown
d) Green
A) Black
Ingestion of iron can cause the stool to turn black. Meat protein causes stool to appear dark brown. Ingestion of large amounts of spinach may turn stool green while ingestion of carrots and beets may cause stool to turn red.
A nurse is assisting with preoperative care for a client who requires an appendectomy. The nurse is aware that the surgery will involve which abdominal quadrant?
A) RLQ
B) RUQ
C) LLQ
D) LUQ
A) RLQ
The appendix is in the right lower quadrant.
The client cannot tolerate oral feedings due to an intestinal obstruction and is NPO. A central line has been inserted, and the client is being started on parenteral nutrition (PN). The nurse performs the following actions while the client receives PN (se
A) Document intake and output; C) Weigh the client every day; E) Check blood glucose level every 6 hours
When a client is receiving PN through a central line, the nurse weighs the client daily, checks blood glucose level every 6 hours, and documents intak
Which of the following is the primary symptom of achalasia?
a) Difficulty swallowing
b) Pulmonary symptoms
c) Chest pain
d) Heartburn
A) Difficulty swallowing
The primary symptom of achalasia is difficulty in swallowing both liquids and solids. The patient may also report chest pain and heartburn that may or may not be associated with eating. Secondary pulmonary complications may result
A nurse enters the room of a client who has returned to the unit after having a radical neck dissection. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
a) The client lying in a lateral position, with the head of bed flat
b) Foley catheter bag c
A) The client lying in a lateral position, with the head of bed flat
A client who has had neck surgery is at risk for neck swelling. To prevent respiratory complications, the head of the bed should be at least at a 30-degree angle. This position gives the
To ensure patency of central venous line ports, diluted heparin flushes are used in which of the following situations?
a) Before drawing blood
b) With continuous infusions
c) When the line is discontinued
d) Daily when not in use
D) Daily when not in use
Daily instillation of dilute heparin flush when a port is not in use will maintain the port. Continuous infusion maintains the patency of each port. Heparin flushes are used after each intermittent infusion. Heparin flushes are us
A client with GERD develops espophagitis. Which diagnostic test would the nurse expect the physician to order to confirm the diagnosis?
a) Upper endoscopy with biopsy
b) Stool testing for occult blood
c) 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring
d) Barium swallow
A) Upper endoscopy with biopsy
Upper endoscopy with biopsy confirms esophagitis. Barium-swallow would reveal inflammation or stricture formation from chronic esophagitis. Tests of stool may show positive findings of blood. Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH
Which of the following medications requires the nurse to contact the pharmacist in consultation when the patient receives all oral medications by feeding tube?
a) Buccal or sublingual tablets
b) Enteric-coated tablets
c) Soft gelatin capsules filled with
B) Enteric-coated tablets
Enteric-coated tablets are meant to be digested in the intestinal tract and may be destroyed by stomach acids. A change in the form of medication is necessary for patients with tube feedings. Simple compressed tablets may be crus
A client recovering from gastric bypass surgery accidentally removes the nasogastric tube. It is best for the nurse to
a) Notify the surgeon about the tube's removal.
b) Reinsert the nasogastric tube to the stomach.
c) Document the discontinuation of the
A) Notify the surgeon about the tube's removal
If the nasogastric tube is removed accidently in a client who has undergone esophageal or gastric surgery, it is usually replaced by the physician. Care is taken to avoid trauma to the suture line. The nurse
Paul Cavanagh, a 63-year-old retired teacher, had oral cancer and had extensive surgery to excise the malignancy. While is surgery was deemed successful, it was quite disfiguring and incapacitating. What is essential to Mr. Cavanagh and his family?
a) Kno
B) Time to mourn, accept, and adjust to the loss
The first time family members or clients see the effects of surgery, the experience usually is traumatic. The nurse needs to promote effective coping and therapeutic grieving at this time. Responses may ran
Initially, which diagnostic should be completed following placement of a NG tube?
a) X-ray
b) Measurement of tube length
c) pH measurement of aspirate
d) Visual assessment of aspirate
A) X-ray
Instead of auscultation, a combination of three methods is recommended: measurement of tube length, visual assessment of aspirate, and pH measurement of aspirate.
A client who is recovering from anesthesia following oral surgery for lip cancer is experiencing difficulty breathing deeply and coughing up secretions. Which of the following measures will help ease the client's discomfort?
a) Positioning the client flat
B) Keeping the head of the bed elevated
It is essential to position the client with the head of the bed elevated because it is easier for the client to breathe deeply and cough up secretions after recovering from the anesthetic. Positioning the client fla
Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding cancer of the esophagus?
a) Chronic irritation of the esophagus is a known risk factor.
b) It is three times more common in women in the U.S. than men.
c) It is seen more frequently in Caucasian Am
A) Chronic irritation of the esophagus is a known risk factor
In the United States, cancer of the esophagus has been associated with the ingestion of alcohol and the use of tobacco. In the United States, carcinoma of the esophagus occurs more than three t
Which of the following is the best method for determining nasogastric tube placement?
a) Placement of external end of tube under water
b) Testing of pH of gastric aspirate
c) X-ray
d) Observation of gastric aspirate
C) X-ray
Radiologic identification of tube placement in the stomach is the most reliable method. Gastric fluid may be grassy green, brown, clear, or odorless while an aspirate from the lungs may be off-white or tan. Hence, checking aspirate is not the bes
Regarding oral cancer, the nurse provides health teaching to inform the patient that
a) most oral cancers are painful at the outset.
b) blood testing is used to diagnose oral cancer.
c) a typical lesion is soft and craterlike.
d) many oral cancers produce
D) Many oral cancers produce no symptoms in the early stages
The most frequent symptom of oral cancer is a painless sore that does not heal. The patient may complain of tenderness, and difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking as the cancer progres
A client has a gastrointestinal tube that enters the stomach through a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall. The nurse documents this as which of the following?
a) Jejunostomy tube
b) Nasogastric tube
c) Orogastric tube
d) Gastrostomy tube
D) Gastrostomy tube
A gastrostomy tube enters the stomach through a surgically created opening into the abdominal wall. A jejunostomy tube enters jejunum or small intestine through a surgically created opening into the abdominal wall. A nasogastric tube p
The nurse is to obtain a stool specimen from a client who reported that he is taking iron supplements. The nurse would expect the stool to be which color?
a) Dark brown
b) Red
c) Black
d) Green
C) Black
Ingestion of iron can cause the stool to turn black. Meat protein causes stool to appear dark brown. Ingestion of large amounts of spinach may turn stool green while ingestion of carrots and beets may cause stool to turn red.
Which of the following would a nurse expect to assess in a client with peritonitis?
a) Decreased pulse rate
b) Deep slow respirations
c) Hyperactive bowel sounds
d) Board-like abdomen
D) Board-like abdomen
The client with peritonitis would typically exhibit a rigid, board-like abdomen, with absent bowel sounds, elevated pulse rate, and rapid, shallow respirations.
A nurse is applying an ostomy appliance to the ileostomy of a client with ulcerative colitis. Which action is appropriate?
a) Maintaining wrinkles in the faceplate so it doesn't irritate the skin
b) Scrubbing fecal material from the skin surrounding the s
D) Gently washing the area surrounding the stoma using a facecloth and mild soap
For a client with an ostomy, maintaining skin integrity is a priority. The nurse should gently wash the area surrounding the stoma using a facecloth and mild soap. Scrubbing
The nurse is providing care to a client who has had a percutaneous liver biopsy. The nurse would monitor the client for which of the following?
a) Intake and output
b) Passage of stool
c) Return of the gag reflex
d) Signs and symptoms of bleeding
D) Signs and symptoms of bleeding
A major complication after a liver biopsy is bleeding so it would be important for the nurse to monitor the client for signs and symptoms of bleeding. Return of the gag reflex would be important for the client who had an
An elderly client asks the nurse how to treat chronic constipation. What is the best recommendation the nurse can make?
a) Administer a tap-water enema weekly.
b) Take a mild laxative such as magnesium citrate when necessary.
c) Take a stool softener such
C) Take a stool softener such as docusate sodium (Colace) daily
Stool softeners taken daily promote absorption of liquid into the stool, creating a softer mass. They may be taken on a daily basis without developing a dependence. Dependence is an adverse e
Which patient teaching component is important for the nurse to communicate regarding pain management prior to or during diagnostic testing for a disorder of the GI system?
a) The patient should not expel gas and test fluids from the bowel when he or she e
B) The patient should inform the test personnel if he or she experiences pressure or cramping during instillation of test fluids
To ensure that a patient who is to undergo a diagnostic test for a disorder of the gastrointestinal system experiences no or m
Nursing assessment of a client with peritonitis reveals hypotension, tachycardia, and signs and symptoms of dehydration. The nurse also expects to find:
a) tenderness and pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant.
b) severe abdominal pain with direct pal
B) Severe abdominal pain with direct palpation or rebound tenderness
Peritonitis decreases intestinal motility and causes intestinal distention. A classic sign of peritonitis is a sudden, diffuse, severe abdominal pain that intensifies in the area of the
A nurse is reviewing the history and physical of a client admitted for a hemorrhoidectomy. Which predisposing condition does the nurse expect to see?
a) Constipation
b) Hypoglycemia
c) Lactic acidosis
d) Hyperkalemia
A) Constipation
Orthostatic hypertension and other conditions associated with persistently high intra-abdominal pressure (such as pregnancy) can lead to hemorrhoids. The passing of hard stools, not diarrhea, can aggravate hemorrhoids. Diverticulosis has n
After 20 seconds of auscultating for bowel sounds on a client recovering from abdominal surgery, the nurse hears nothing. Which of the following should the nurse do based on the assessment findings?
a) Listen longer for the sounds.
b) Call the physician t
A) Listen longer for sounds
Auscultation is used to determine the character, location, and frequency of bowel sounds. The frequency and character of sounds are usually heard as clicks and gurgles that occur irregularly and range from 5 to 35 per minutes.
A client is being treated for prolonged diarrhea. Which of the following foods should the nurse encourage the client to consume?
a) Protein-rich foods
b) High-fiber foods
c) Potassium-rich foods
d) High-fat foods
C) Potassium rich foods
The nurse should encourage the client with diarrhea to consume potassium-rich foods. Excessive diarrhea causes severe loss of potassium. The nurse should also instruct the client to avoid high-fiber or fatty foods because these foo
A client is admitted to the hospital for diagnostic testing to rule out colorectal cancer. Which intervention should the nurse include on the plan of care?
a) Prepare the client for a gastrostomy tube placement.
b) Administer morphine (Duramorph PF) routi
C) Test all stools for occult blood
Blood in the stools is one of the warning signs of colorectal cancer. The nurse should plan on checking all stools for both frank and occult blood. The blood in the stool is coming from the colon or rectum; administerin
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. When assessing the abdomen, the nurse would expect to find rebound tenderness at which location?
a) Left upper quadrant
b) Right lower quadrant
c) Left lower quadrant
d) Right upper quadrant
B) Right lower quadrant
The pain of acute appendicitis localizes in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) at McBurney's point, an area midway between the umbilicus and the right iliac crest. Often, the pain is worse when manual pressure near the region is sudden
A nurse is preparing a client with Crohn's disease for a barium enema. What should the nurse do the day before the test?
a) Serve dairy products.
b) Encourage plenty of fluids.
c) Serve the client his usual diet.
d) Order a high-fiber diet.
B) Encourage plenty of fluids
The nurse should encourage plenty of fluids because adequate fluid intake is necessary to avoid dehydration that may be caused by the bowel preparation and to prevent fecal impaction after the procedure. The client may be pla
A client with appendicitis is experiencing excruciating abdominal pain. An abdominal X-ray film reveals intraperitoneal air. The nurse should prepare the client for:
a) colonoscopy.
b) surgery.
c) nasogastric (NG) tube insertion.
d) barium enema.
B) Surgery
The client should be prepared for surgery because his signs and symptoms indicate bowel perforation. Appendicitis is the most common cause of bowel perforation in the United States. Because perforation can lead to peritonitis and sepsis, surger
The nurse is assessing a client for constipation. Which of the following is the first review that the nurse should conduct in order to identify the cause of constipation? Choose the correct option.
a) Review the client's current medications
b) Review the
C) Review the client's usual pattern of elimination
Constipation has many possible reasons; assessing the client's usual pattern of elimination is the first step in identifying the cause.
A longitudinal tear or ulceration in the lining of the anal canal is termed a (an)
a) anorectal abscess.
b) anal fistula.
c) anal fissure.
d) hemorrhoid.
C) Anal fissure
Fissures are usually caused by the trauma of passing a large, firm stool or from persistent tightening of the anal canal secondary to stress or anxiety (leading to constipation). An anorectal abscess is an infection in the pararectal space
A 74-year-old client is on the hospital unit where you practice nursing. She will be undergoing rhinoplasty and you are completing her admission assessment and paperwork. She reports medications she uses on a daily basis, which you record for her chart. W
B) Laxative
Constipation may also result from chronic use of laxatives ("cathartic colon") because such use can cause a loss of normal colonic motility and intestinal tone. Laxatives also dull the gastrocolic reflex.
Patients with chronic liver dysfunction have problems with insufficient vitamin intake. Which of the following may occur as a result of vitamin C deficiency?
a) Beriberi
b) Scurvy
c) Night blindness
d) Hypoprothrombinemia
B) Scurvy
Scurvy may result from a vitamin C deficiency. Night blindness, hypoprothrombinemia, and beriberi do not result from a vitamin C deficiency.
A client is admitted to the health care facility with abdominal pain, a low-grade fever, abdominal distention, and weight loss. The physician diagnoses acute pancreatitis. What is the primary goal of nursing care for this client?
a) Maintaining adequate n
C) Relieving abdominal pain
The predominant clinical feature of acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain, which usually reaches peak intensity several hours after onset of the illness. Therefore, relieving abdominal pain is the nurse's primary goal. Because a
When reviewing the history of a client with pancreatic cancer, the nurse would identify which of the following as a possible risk factor?
a) Ingestion of a low-fat diet
b) One-time exposure to petrochemicals
c) Ingestion of caffeinated coffee
d) History o
D) History of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is associated with the development of pancreatic cancer. Other factors that correlate with pancreatic cancer include diabetes mellitus, a high-fat diet, and chronic exposure to carcinogenic substances (i.e., petroch
A client is diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. Which statement indicates effective client teaching about hiatal hernia and its treatment?
a) "I'll lie down immediately after a meal."
b) "I'll eat three large meals every day without any food restrictions."
c)
C) I'll eat frequent, small, bland meals that are high in fiber
In hiatal hernia, the upper portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest when intra-abdominal pressure increases. To minimize intra-abdominal pressure and decrease gastric reflux, the clie
The client is receiving a 25% dextrose solution of parenteral nutrition. The infusion machine is beeping, and the nurse determines the intravenous (IV) bag is empty. The nurse finds there is no available bag to administer. It is most important for the nur
C) Infuse a solution containing 10% dextrose and water
If the parenteral nutrition solution runs out, a solution of 10% dextrose and water is infused to prevent hypoglycemia. The nurse would then order the next parenteral nutrition bag from the pharmacy.
Patients diagnosed with esophageal varices are at risk for hemorrhagic shock. Which of the following is a sign of potential hypovolemia?
a) Hypotension
b) Bradycardia
c) Polyuria
d) Warm moist skin
A) Hypotension
Signs of potential hypovolemia include cool, clammy skin, tachycardia, decreased blood pressure, and decreased urine output.
Which of the following is caused by improper catheter placement and inadvertent puncture of the pleura?
a) Pneumothorax
b) Sepsis
c) Fluid overload
d) Air embolism
A) Pneumothorax
A pneumothorax is caused by improper catheter placement and inadvertent puncture of the pleura. Air embolism can occur from a missing cap on a port. Sepsis can be caused by the separation of dressings. Fluid overload is caused by fluids in
The nurse inserts a nasoduodenal tube for feeding of the client. To check best for placement, the nurse
a) Verifies location with an abdominal x-ray
b) Aspirates contents and checks the color of the aspirate
c) Auscultates when injecting air
d) Adds 8 to
A) Verifies location with an abdominal x-ray
Initially, an x-ray should be used to confirm placement of the nasoduodenal tube. It is the most accurate method to verify tube placement. Adding 8 to 10 inches to the length of the tube after measuring from no
A nurse is reviewing laboratory test results from a client. The report indicates that the client has jaundice. What serum bilirubin level must the client's finding exceed? Enter the correct number only.
Jaundice becomes clinically evident when the serum bilirubin level exceeds 2.5 mg/dL (43 fmol/L).
A client with severe and chronic liver disease is showing manifestations related to inadequate vitamin intake and metabolism. He reports difficulty driving at night because he cannot see well. Which of the following vitamins is most likely deficient for t
B) Vitamin A
Problems common to clients with severe chronic liver dysfunction result from inadequate intake of sufficient vitamins. Vitamin A deficiency results in night blindness and eye and skin changes. Thiamine deficiency can lead to beriberi, polyneu
A client diagnosed with acute pancreatitis is being transferred to another facility. The nurse caring for the client completes the transfer summary, which includes information about the client's drinking history and other assessment findings. Which assess
Recent weight loss and temperature elevation
Assessment findings associated with pancreatitis include recent weight loss and temperature elevation. Inflammation of the pancreas causes a response that elevates temperature and leads to abdominal pain that t
A client with acute liver failure exhibits confusion, a declining level of consciousness, and slowed respirations. The nurse finds him very difficult to arouse. The diagnostic information which best explains the client's behavior is:
a) elevated blood ure
B) Subnormal serum glucose and elevated serum ammonia levels
In acute liver failure, serum ammonia levels increase because the liver can't adequately detoxify the ammonia produced in the GI tract. In addition, serum glucose levels decline because the live
A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. The nurse assesses the client at noon and discovers that the client is difficult to arouse and has an elevated serum ammonia level. The nurse should suspect which situation?
a) The client didn't take his morn
C) The client's hepatic function is decreasing
The decreased level of consciousness caused by an increased serum ammonia level indicates hepatic disfunction. If the client didn't take his morning dose of lactulose, he wouldn't have elevated ammonia levels
A client is admitted for suspected GI disease. Assessment data reveal muscle wasting, a decrease in chest and axillary hair, and increased bleeding tendency. The nurse suspects the client has:
a) cirrhosis.
b) cholelithiasis.
c) appendicitis.
d) peptic ul
A) Cirrhosis
Muscle wasting, a decrease in chest and axillary hair, and increased bleeding tendencies are all symptoms of cirrhosis. The client may also have mild fever, edema, abdominal pain, and an enlarged liver. Clients with peptic ulcer disease compl
The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. Which assessment findings indicate that the client has deficient vitamin K absorption caused by this hepatic disease?
a) Ascites and orthopnea
b) Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy
c) Purpura and petechiae
C) Purpura and petechiae
A hepatic disorder, such as cirrhosis, may disrupt the liver's normal use of vitamin K to produce prothrombin (a clotting factor). Consequently, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, including purpura and pete
A nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with a history of pancreatitis. Which instruction is correct?
a) "Maintain a high-sodium, high-calorie diet."
b) "Maintain a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet."
c) "Maintain a high-fat, high-carbohydrate
B) Maintain a high carbohydrate, low fat diet
A client with a history of pancreatitis should avoid foods and beverages that stimulate the pancreas, such as fatty foods, caffeine, and gas-forming foods; should avoid eating large meals; and should eat plent
A client is evaluated for severe pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant, which is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The physician diagnoses acute cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. For this client, which nursing diagnosis takes top priority?
a) Anxie
B) Acute pain related to biliary spams
The chief symptom of cholecystitis is abdominal pain or biliary colic. Typically, the pain is so severe that the client is restless and changes positions frequently to find relief. Therefore, the nursing diagnosis of
Patients with chronic liver dysfunction have problems with insufficient vitamin intake. Which of the following may occur as a result of vitamin C deficiency?
a) Hypoprothrombinemia
b) Scurvy
c) Beriberi
d) Night blindness
B) Scurvy
Scurvy may result from a vitamin C deficiency. Night blindness, hypoprothrombinemia, and beriberi do not result from a vitamin C deficiency.
Patients diagnosed with esophageal varices are at risk for hemorrhagic shock. Which of the following is a sign of potential hypovolemia?
a) Bradycardia
b) Hypotension
c) Polyuria
d) Warm moist skin
B) Hypotension
Signs of potential hypovolemia include cool, clammy skin, tachycardia, decreased blood pressure, and decreased urine output.
A client being treated for pancreatitis faces the risk of atelectasis. Which of the following interventions would be important to implement to minimize this risk?
a) Withhold oral feedings for the client.
b) Instruct the client to avoid coughing.
c) Monit
D) Reposition the client every 2 hours
Repositioning the client every 2 hours minimizes the risk of atelectasis in a client who is being treated for pancreatitis. The client should be instructed to cough every 2 hours to reduce atelectasis. Monitoring the
A client with hepatitis who has not responded to medical treatment is scheduled for a liver transplant. Which of the following most likely would be ordered?
a) Chenodiol
b) Ursodiol
c) Tacrolimus
d) Interferon alfa-2b, recombinant
C) Tacrolimus
In preparation for a liver transplant, a client receives immunosuppressants to reduce the risk for organ rejection. Tacrolimus or cyclosporine are two immunosuppresants that may be used. Chenodiol and ursodiol are agents used to dissolve gal
A client with liver and renal failure has severe ascites. On initial shift rounds, his primary nurse finds his indwelling urinary catheter collection bag too full to store more urine. The nurse empties more than 2,000 ml from the collection bag. One hour
A) Albumin
Albumin is an abnormal finding in a routine urine specimen. Ascites present in liver failure contain albumin; therefore, if the bladder ruptured, ascites containing albumin would drain from the indwelling urinary catheter because the catheter i
A physician orders spironolactone (Aldactone), 50 mg by mouth four times daily, for a client with fluid retention caused by cirrhosis. Which finding indicates that the drug is producing a therapeutic effect?
a) Loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) in 24 hours
b) Serum p
A) Loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) in 24 hours
Daily weight measurement is the most accurate indicator of fluid status; a loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) indicates loss of 1 L of fluid. Because spironolactone is a diuretic, weight loss is the best indicator of its effectiven
When reviewing the history of a client with pancreatic cancer, the nurse would identify which of the following as a possible risk factor?
a) Ingestion of caffeinated coffee
b) Ingestion of a low-fat diet
c) History of pancreatitis
d) One-time exposure to
C) History of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is associated with the development of pancreatic cancer. Other factors that correlate with pancreatic cancer include diabetes mellitus, a high-fat diet, and chronic exposure to carcinogenic substances (i.e., petroch
The nurse is preparing to interview a client with cirrhosis. Based on an understanding of this disorder, which question would be most important to include?
a) "What type of over-the-counter pain reliever do you use?"
b) "How often do you drink alcohol?"
c
B) How often do you drink alcohol?
The most common type of cirrhosis results from chronic alcohol intake and is frequently associated with poor nutrition. Although it can follow chronic poisoning with chemicals or ingestion of hepatotoxic drugs such as ac
A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. During preoperative teaching, the client asks where is bile stored. The nurse knows that bile is stored in the:
a) Cystic duct
b) Duodenum
c) Gallbladder
d) Common bile duct
C) Gallbladder
The gallbladder functions as a storage depot for bile.
Which of the following symptoms characterizes regional enteritis?
a) Severe diarrhea
b) Diffuse involvement
c) Exacerbations and remissions
d) Transmural thickening
D) Transmural thickening
Transmural thickening is an early pathologic change of Crohn's disease. Later pathology results in deep, penetrating granulomas. Regional enteritis is characterized by regional discontinuous lesions. Severe diarrhea is characteris
If a client has abdominal surgery and a portion of the small intestine is removed, the client is at risk for which of the following?
a) Gastric ulcers
b) Malabsorption syndrome
c) Constipation
d) Cirrhosis
B) Malabsorption syndrome
Absorption is the primary function of the small intestine. Vitamins and minerals are absorbed essentially unchanged. Nutrients are absorbed at specific locations in the small intestine.
A client with a history of alcohol abuse comes to the emergency department and complains of abdominal pain. Laboratory studies help confirm a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The client's vital signs are stable, but the client's pain is worsening and radi
B) Administering morphine IV as ordered
The nurse should address the client's pain issues first by administering morphine I.V. as ordered. Placing the client in a Semi-Fowler's position, maintaining NPO status, and providing mouth care don't take priority
Which of the following is an outcome of histamine 2 (H2)-receptor antagonists blocking the action of histamine in the stomach?
a) Blood phosphate levels are elevated.
b) Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are relieved.
c) Acid indigestion is relieved.
d)
D) Acid secretion is reduced
H2-receptor antagonists decrease the amount of hydrochloric acid that the stomach produces by blocking the action of histamine on histamine receptors of potential cells in the stomach.
A nonresponsive client has a nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction due to gastrointestinal bleeding. It is most important for the nurse to
a) Change the nasal tape every 2 to 3 days.
b) Auscultate lung sounds every 4 hours.
c) Inspect the nose dail
B) Auscultate lung sounds every 4 hours
Pulmonary complications may occur as a result of nasogastric intubation. It is a high priority according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs and takes a higher priority over assessing the nose, changing nasal tape, or ap
When caring for a client with acute pancreatitis, the nurse should use which comfort measure?
a) Encouraging frequent visits from family and friends
b) Administering frequent oral feedings
c) Positioning the client on the side with the knees flexed
d) Adm
C) Postitioning the client on the side with the knees flexed
The nurse should place the client with acute pancreatitis in a side-lying position with knees flexed; this position promotes comfort by decreasing pressure on the abdominal muscles. The nurse sh
Which of the following medications would the nurse expect the physician to order for a client with cirrhosis who develops portal hypertension?
a) Kanamycin (Kantrex)
b) Spironolactone (Aldactone)
c) Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
d) Lactulose (Cephulac)
B) Spironlactone (Aldactone)
For portal hypertension, a diuretic usually an aldosterone antagonist such as spironolactone (Aldactone) is ordered. Kanamycin (Kantrex) would be used to treat hepatic encephalopathy to destroy intestinal microorganisms and de
A client is prescribed tetracycline to treat peptic ulcer disease. Which of the following instructions would the nurse give the client?
a) "Take the medication with milk."
b) "Do not drive when taking this medication."
c) "Be sure to wear sunscreen while
C) Be sure to wear sunscreen while taking this medicine
Tetracycline may cause a photosensitivity reaction in clients. The nurse should caution the client to use sunscreen when taking this drug. Dairy products can reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline,
The nurse observes dry mucous membranes in a client who is receiving tube feedings after an oral surgery. The client also complains of unpleasant tastes and odors. Which of the following measures should be included in the client's plan of care?
a) Ensure
C) Provide frequent mouth care
Frequent mouth care helps to relieve the discomfort from dryness and unpleasant odors and tastes. It can be done with the help of ice chips and analgesic throat lozenges, gargles, or sprays. Adequate hydration is essential.
The nurse is caring for a man who has experienced a spinal cord injury. Throughout his recovery, the client expects to gain control of his bowels. The nurse's best response to this client would be which of the following?
a) "Over time, the nerve fibers wi
C) Having a bowel movement is a spinal reflex requiring intact nerve fibers. Yours are not intact
The act of defecation is a spinal reflex involving the parasympathetic nerve fibers. Normally, the external anal sphincter is maintained in a state of tonic
After teaching a group of students about the various organs of the upper gastrointestinal tract and possible disorders, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following structures as possibly bei
D) Stomach
The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract begins at the mouth and ends at the jejunum. Therefore, the stomach would be a component of the upper GI tract. The lower GI tract begins at the ileum and ends at the anus. The liver is considered an access
An elderly client asks the nurse how to treat chronic constipation. What is the best recommendation the nurse can make?
a) Take a mild laxative such as magnesium citrate when necessary.
b) Administer a tap-water enema weekly.
c) Administer a phospho-soda
D) Take a stool softener such as docuaste sodium (Colace) daily.
Stool softeners taken daily promote absorption of liquid into the stool, creating a softer mass. They may be taken on a daily basis without developing a dependence. Dependence is an adverse
Following administration of a dose of metoclopramide (Reglan) to the patient, the nurse determines that the medication has been effective when which of the following is noted?
A) Decreased blood pressure
B) Absence of muscle tremors
C) Relief of nausea an
C) Relief of nausea and vomiting
Metoclopramide is classified as a prokinetic and antiemetic medication. If it is effective, the patient's nausea and vomiting should resolve.
The patient receiving chemotherapy rings the call bell and reports an onset of nausea. The nurse should prepare a prn dose of which of the following medications?
A) Morphine sulfate
B) Zolpidem (Ambien)
C) Ondansetron (Zofran)
D) Dexamethasone (Decadron)
C) Ondansetron (Zofran)
Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist antiemetic that is especially effective in reducing cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
The patient who is admitted with a diagnosis of diverticulitis and a history of irritable bowel disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has received a dose of Mylanta 30 ml PO. The nurse would evaluate its effectiveness by questioning the patie
B) Heartburn
Mylanta is an antacid that contains both aluminum and magnesium. It is indicated for the relief of GI discomfort, such as with heartburn associated with GERD.
After administering a dose of promethazine (Phenergan) to a patient with nausea and vomiting, the nurse explains that which of the following may be experienced as a common temporary adverse effect of the medication?
A) Drowsiness
B) Reduced hearing
C) Sen
A) Drowsiness
Although being given to this patient as an antiemetic, promethazine also has sedative and amnesic properties. For this reason, the patient is likely to experience drowsiness as an adverse effect of the medication.
The nurse is caring for a patient treated with intravenous fluid therapy for severe vomiting. As the patient recovers and begins to tolerate oral intake, the nurse understands that which of the following food choices would be most appropriate?
A) Ice tea
B) Dry toast
Dry toast or crackers may alleviate the feeling of nausea and prevent further vomiting. Extremely hot or cold liquids and fatty foods are generally not well tolerated.
The nurse determines that a patient has experienced the beneficial effects of medication therapy with famotidine (Pepcid) when which of the following symptoms is relieved?
A) Nausea
B) Belching
C) Epigastric pain
D) Difficulty swallowing
C) Epigastric Pain
Famotidine is an H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits parietal cell output of HCl acid and minimizes damage to gastric mucosa related to hyperacidity, thus relieving epigastric pain.
A patient reports having dry mouth and asks for some liquid to drink. The nurse reasons that this symptom can most likely be attributed to a common adverse effect of which of the following medications?
A) Digoxin (Lanoxin)
B) Cefotetan (Cefotan)
C) Famoti
D) Promethazine (Phenergan)
A common adverse effect of promethazine, an antihistamine antiemetic agent, is dry mouth; another is blurred vision.
A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease has presented to the emergency department with complaints of severe abdominal pain and a rigid, boardlike abdomen, prompting the health care team to suspect a perforated ulcer. Which of the following action
A) Providing IV fluids and inserting a NG tube
A perforated peptic ulcer requires IV replacement of fluid losses and continued gastric aspiration by NG tube. Nothing is given by mouth and gastric pH testing is not a priority. Calcium gluconate is not a me
The results of a patient's recent endoscopy indicate the presence of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Which of the following teaching points should the nurse provide to the patient in light of his new diagnosis?
A) "You'll need to drink at least two to three g
B) "It would likely be beneficial for you to eliminate drinking alcohol"
Although there is no specific recommended dietary modification for PUD, most patients find it necessary to make some sort of dietary modifications to minimize symptoms. Milk may exac
The nurse is conducting discharge teaching for a patient with metastatic lung cancer who was admitted with a bowel impaction. Which of the following instructions would be most helpful to prevent further episodes of constipation?
A) Maintain a high intake
A) Maintain a high intake of fluid and fiber int he diet
Increased fluid intake and a high-fiber diet reduce the incidence of constipation caused by immobility, medications, and other factors. Fluid and fiber provide bulk that in turn increases peristalsi
The nurse should administer a prn dose of magnesium hydroxide (MOM) after noting which of the following while reviewing a patient's medical record?
A) Abdominal pain and bloating
B) No bowel movement for 3 days
C) A decrease in appetite by 50% over 24 hou
B) No bowel movement for 3 days
MOM is an osmotic laxative that produces a soft, semisolid stool usually within 15 minutes to 3 hours. This medication would benefit the patient who has not had a bowel movement for 3 days.
The nurse is preparing to administer a dose of bisacodyl (Dulcolax). In explaining the medication to the patient, the nurse would state that it acts in which of the following ways?
A) Increases bulk in the stool
B) Lubricates the intestinal tract to softe
D) Increases peristalsis by stimulating nerves in the colon wall
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that aids in producing a bowel movement by irritating the colon wall and stimulating enteric nerves. It is available in oral and suppository forms.
The nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of docusate sodium (Colace) when the patient complains of an episode of loose stool and does not want to take the medication. Which of the following is the appropriate action by the nurse?
A) Write an
D) Chart the dose as not given on the medical record and explain in the nursing progress notes.
Whenever a patient refuses medication, the dose should be charted as not given. An explanation of the reason should then be documented in the nursing progress
A patient is scheduled to receive "Colace 100 mg PO." The patient asks to take the medication in liquid form, and the nurse obtains an order for the interchange. Available is a syrup that contains 150 mg/15 ml. How many milliliters does the nurse administ
C) 10 mL
The concentration of the syrup is 10 mg/ml. Therefore, a 100-mg dose necessitates 10 ml.
The nurse would instruct the patient to do which of the following to best enhance the effectiveness of a daily dose of docusate sodium (Colace)?
A) Take a dose of mineral oil at the same time.
B) Add extra salt to food on at least one meal tray.
C) Ensure
D) Take each dose with a full glass of water or other liquid
Docusate lowers the surface tension of stool, permitting water and fats to penetrate and soften the stool for easier passage. The patient should take the dose with a full glass of water and shou
The nurse would question the use of which of the following cathartic agents in a patient with renal insufficiency?
A) Bisacodyl
B) Lubiprostone
C) Cascara sagrada
D) Milk of magnesia
D) Milk of Magnesia
Milk of magnesia may cause hypermagnesemia in patients with renal insufficiency. The nurse should question this order with the health care provider before administration.
A patient who is administering a bisacodyl (Dulcolax) suppository asks the nurse how long it will take to work. The nurse replies that the patient will probably need to use the bedpan or commode within which of the following time frames after administrati
B) 15-60 minutes
Bisacodyl suppositories usually are effective within 15 to 60 minutes of administration, so the nurse should plan accordingly to assist the patient to use the bedpan or commode.
The nurse is caring for a patient in the emergency department with complaints of acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. When the nurse palpates the patient's left lower abdominal quadrant, the patient complains of pain in the right lower quadrant. Th
A) Rovsing sign
In patients with suspected appendicitis, Rovsing sign may be elicited by palpation of the left lower quadrant, causing pain to be felt in the right lower quadrant.
The nurse is caring for a 68-year-old patient admitted with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The patient has an abdominal mass and a bowel obstruction is suspected. The nurse auscultating the abdomen listens for which of the following types of bowel
A) Low pitched and rumbling above the area of obstruction
Early in intestinal obstruction, the patient's bowel sounds are hyperactive and high pitched, sometimes referred to as "tinkling" above the level of the obstruction. This occurs because peristaltic
The nurse is planning care for a 68-year-old patient with an abdominal mass and suspected bowel obstruction. Which of the following factors in the patient's history increases the patient's risk for colorectal cancer?
A) Osteoarthritis
B) History of rectal
B) History of rectal polyps
A history of rectal polyps places this patient at risk for colorectal cancer. This tissue can degenerate over time and become malignant. The other factors identified do not pose additional risk to the patient.
The nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube into a 68-year-old patient with an abdominal mass and suspected bowel obstruction. The patient asks the nurse why this procedure is necessary. Which of the following responses is most appropriate?
A) "Th
A) The tube will help drain the stomach contents and prevent further vomiting
The nasogastric tube is used to decompress the stomach by draining stomach contents, and thereby prevent further vomiting.
A 61-year-old patient with suspected bowel obstruction has had a nasogastric tube inserted at 4:00 am. The nurse shares in the morning report that the day shift staff should check the tube for patency at which of the following times?
A) 7:00 am, 10:00 am,
B) 8:00 am and 12:00 pm
A nasogastric tube should be checked for patency routinely at 4-hour intervals. Thus if the tube were inserted at 4:00 am, it would be due to be checked at 8:00 am and 12:00 pm.
The nurse who inserted a nasogastric tube for a 68-year-old patient with suspected bowel obstruction should write which of the following priority nursing diagnoses on the patient's problem list?
A) Anxiety related to nasogastric tube placement
B) Abdomina
D) Altered oral mucous membrane related to nasogastric tube placement
With nasogastric tube placement, the patient is likely to breathe through the mouth and may experience irritation in the affected nares. For this reason, the nurse should plan preventiv
A colectomy is scheduled for a 68-year-old woman with an abdominal mass, possible bowel obstruction, and a history of rectal polyps. The nurse should plan to include which of the following prescribed measures in the preoperative preparation of this patien
B) Administration of a cleansing enema
Preoperative preparation for bowel surgery typically includes bowel cleansing with antibiotics, such as oral neomycin and cleansing enemas, including Fleet enemas.
Which of the following would be the highest priority information to include in preoperative teaching for a 68-year-old patient scheduled for a colectomy?
A) How to care for the wound
B) How to deep breathe and cough
C) The location and care of drains afte
B) How to deep breathe and cough
Because anesthesia, an abdominal incision, and pain can impair the patient's respiratory status in the postoperative period, it is of high priority to teach the patient to cough and deep breathe. Otherwise, the patient cou
The nurse asks a 68-year-old patient scheduled for colectomy to sign the operative permit as directed in the physician's preoperative orders. The patient states that the physician has not really explained well what is involved in the surgical procedure. W
D) Delay the patient's signature on the consent and notify the physician about the conversation with the patient.
The patient should not be asked to sign a consent form unless the procedure has been explained to the satisfaction of the patient. The nurse
Two days following a colectomy for an abdominal mass, a patient reports gas pains and abdominal distention. The nurse plans care for the patient based on the knowledge that the symptoms occur as a result of which of the following?
A) Impaired peristalsis
A) Impaired peristalsis
Until peristalsis returns to normal following anesthesia, the patient may experience slowed gastrointestinal motility leading to gas pains and abdominal distention.
Following bowel resection, a patient has a nasogastric tube to suction, but complains of nausea and abdominal distention. The nurse irrigates the tube prn as ordered, but the irrigating fluid does not return. Which of the following should be the priority
C) Reposition the tube and check for placement
The tube may be resting against the stomach wall. The first action by the nurse, since this intestinal surgery (not gastric surgery), is to reposition the tube and check it again for placement.
The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient with a colostomy. The nurse is preparing to administer a dose of famotidine (Pepcid) when the patient asks why the medication was ordered since the patient does not have a history of heartburn or gastroesoph
D) This will reduce the amount of HCl in the stomach until the nasogastric tube is removed, and you can eat a regular diet again
Famotidine is an H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits gastric HCl secretion and thus minimizes damage to gastric mucosa while
A 54-year-old patient admitted with diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, osteomyelitis, and alcohol abuse has a serum amylase level of 280 U/L and a serum lipase level of 310 U/L. To which of the following diagnoses does the nurse attribute these findings?
A)
C) Alcohol Abuse
The patient with alcohol abuse could develop pancreatitis as a complication, which would increase the serum amylase (normal 30-122 U/L) and serum lipase (normal 31-186 U/L) levels as shown.
The health care provider orders lactulose for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse will monitor for effectiveness of this medication for this patient by assessing which of the following?
A) Relief of constipation
B) Relief of abdominal pain
C)
D) Decreased ammonia levels
Hepatic encephalopathy is a complication of liver disease and is associated with elevated serum ammonia levels. Lactulose traps ammonia in the intestinal tract. Its laxative effect then expels the ammonia from the colon, result
The family of a patient newly diagnosed with hepatitis A asks the nurse what they can do to prevent becoming ill themselves. Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) "The hepatitis vaccine will provide immunity from this expos
D) An injection of immunoglobulin will need to be given to prevent or minimize the effects from this exposure
Immunoglobulin provides temporary (1-2 months) passive immunity and is effective for preventing hepatitis A if given within 2 weeks after exposur
When planning care for a patient with cirrhosis, the nurse will give highest priority to which of the following nursing diagnoses?
A) Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
B) Impaired skin integrity related to edema, ascites, and pruritus
C) E
D) Ineffective breathing pattern related to pressure on diaphragm and reduced lung volume
Although all of these nursing diagnoses are appropriate and important in the care of a patient with cirrhosis, airway and breathing are always the highest priorities
When caring for a patient with liver disease, the nurse recognizes the need to prevent bleeding resulting from altered clotting factors and rupture of varices. Which of the following nursing interventions would be appropriate to achieve this outcome (sele
A,B,C,E
Using the smallest gauge for injections will minimize the risk of bleeding into the tissues. Avoiding straining, nose blowing, and coughing will reduce the risk of hemorrhage at these sites. The use of a soft-bristle toothbrush and avoidance of ir
A patient with type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis asks the nurse if it would be okay to take silymarin (milk thistle) to help minimize liver damage. The nurse responds based on knowledge that
A) Milk thistle may affect liver enzymes and thus alter drug metabol
A) Milk thistle may affect liver enzymes and thus alter drug metabolism
There is good scientific evidence for the use of milk thistle as an antioxidant to protect the liver cells from toxic damage in the treatment of cirrhosis. It is noted to be safe for
When caring for a patient with a biliary obstruction, the nurse will anticipate administering which of the following vitamin supplements (select all that apply)?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin D
C) Vitamin E
D) Vitamin K
E) Vitamin B
A,B,C,D
Biliary obstruction prevents bile from entering the small intestine and thus prevents the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all fat soluble and thus would need to be supplemented in a patient with biliary obstruction.
Diet therapy for patients diagnosed with IBS include which of the following?
a) High-fiber diet
b) Fluids with meals
c) Caffeinated products
d) Spicy foods
A) High fiber diet
A high-fiber diet is prescribed to help control diarrhea and constipation. Foods that are possible irritants such as caffeine, spicy foods, lactose, beans, fried foods, corn, wheat, alcohol should be avoided. Fluids should not be taken
Which of the following is a parasympathetic response in the GI tract?
a) Blood vessel constriction
b) Decreased gastric secretion
c) Decreased motility
d) Increased peristalsis
D) Increased peristalsis
Increased peristalsis is a parasympathetic response in the GI tract. Decreased gastric secretion, blood vessel constriction, and decreased motility are sympathetic responses in the GI tract.
A nurse is assisting with a percutaneous liver biopsy. Place the steps involved in care in the correct sequence from first to last.
Ensure that the biopsy equipment is assembled and in order.
Help the client assume a supine position.
Make sure that the sp
Ensure that the biopsy equipment is assembled and in order.
Help the client assume a supine position.
Place a rolled towel beneath the client's right lower ribs.
While the physician inserts the needle, instruct the client to take a deep breath and hold it
A client is admitted to the healthcare facility suspected of having acute pancreatitis and undergoes laboratory testing. Which of the following would the nurse expect to find?
a) Decreased white blood cell count
b) Decreased liver enzyme levels
c) Elevate
C) Elevated urine amylase levels
Elevated serum and urine amylase, lipase, and liver enzyme levels accompany significant pancreatitis. If the common bile duct is obstructed, the bilirubin level is above normal. Blood glucose levels and white blood cell co
The most common symptom of esophageal disease is
a) nausea.
b) odynophagia.
c) vomiting.
d) dysphagia.
D) Dysphagia
This symptom may vary from an uncomfortable feeling that a bolus of food is caught in the upper esophagus to acute pain on swallowing. Nausea is the most common symptom of gastrointestinal problems in general. Vomiting is a nonspecific sympto
The client is experiencing swallowing difficulties and is now scheduled to receive a gastric feeding. She has the following oral medications prescribed: furosemide (Lasix), digoxin, enteric coated aspirin (Ecotrin), and vitamin E. The nurse withholds
a) f
D) Enteric coated aspirin
Simple compressed tablets (furosemide, digoxin) may be crushed and dissolved in water. Soft gelatin capsules filled with liquid (vitamin E) may be opened, and the contents squeezed out. Enteric coated tablets (enteric coated aspi
A physician has ordered a liver biopsy for a client whose condition is deteriorating. Which of the following places the client at high risk due to her altered liver function during the biopsy?
a) Low hemoglobin
b) Decreased prothrombin time
c) Low sodium
D) Low platelet count
Certain blood tests provide information about liver function. Prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and low platelet count place the client at high risk for hemorrhage. The client may receive intravenous (IV) administration of vitamin K or
A client with liver and renal failure has severe ascites. On initial shift rounds, his primary nurse finds his indwelling urinary catheter collection bag too full to store more urine. The nurse empties more than 2,000 ml from the collection bag. One hour
A) Albumin
Albumin is an abnormal finding in a routine urine specimen. Ascites present in liver failure contain albumin; therefore, if the bladder ruptured, ascites containing albumin would drain from the indwelling urinary catheter because the catheter i
An elderly patient diagnosed with diarrhea is taking digoxin (Lanoxin). Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse be alert to?
a) Hyponatremia
b) Hypokalemia
c) Hypernatremia
d) Hyperkalemia
B) Hypokalemia
The older person taking digitalis must be aware of how quickly dehydration and hypokalemia can occur with diarrhea. The nurse teaches the patient to recognize the symptoms of hypokalemia because low levels of potassium intensify the action
A home care nurse is caring for a client with complaints of epigastric discomfort who is scheduled for a barium swallow. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the test?
a) "I'll drink full liquids the day before the test."
b) "There
D) I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the test
The client demonstrates understanding of a barium swallow when he states that he must refrain from eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours before the test. No other preparation is needed.
Which of the following surgical procedures for obesity utilizes a prosthetic device to restrict oral intake?
a) Vertical-banded gastroplasty
b) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
c) Gastric banding
d) Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
C) Gastric banding
In gastric banding, a prosthetic device is used to restrict oral intake by creating a small pouch of 10 to 15 milliliters that empties through the narrow outlet into the remainder of the stomach. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass uses a horizont
When assisting with the plan of care for a client receiving tube feedings, which of the following would the nurse include to reduce the client's risk for aspiration?
a) Administering 15 to 30 mL of water every 4 hours.
b) Aspirating for residual contents
C) Keeping the client in a semi Fowler's position at all times
With continuous tube feedings, the nurse needs to keep the client in a semi-Fowler's position at all times to reduce regurgitation and the risk for aspiration. Aspirating for residual contents
A patient receives atropine, an anticholinergic drug, in preparation for surgery. The nurse expects this drug to affect the GI tract by:
a) increasing gastric emptying
b) relaxing pyloric and ileocecal sphincters
c) decreasing secretions and peristaltic a
c) decreasing secretions and peristaltic action
The parasympathetic nervous system increasing motility and secretions and relaxing sphincters to promote movement of contents. A drug that blocks this activity decreases secretions and peristalsis, slows gas
After eating, a patient with an inflamed gallbladder experiences pain caused by contraction of the gallbladdder. The mechanism responsible for this action is
a) production of bile by the liver
b) production of secretin by the duodenum
c) release of gastri
d) production of cholecystokinin by the duodenum
Cholecystokinin is secreted by the duodenal mucosa when fats and amino acids enter the duodenum and stimulates the gallbladder to release bile and emulsify the fats for digestion. The bile is produced by th
When caring for a patient who has had most of the stomach surgically removed, the nurse plans to teach the client
a) that extra iron will need to be taken to prevent anemia
b) to avoid foods with lactose to prevent diarrhea and bloating
c) that lifelong s
c) that lifelong supplementation of cobalamin will be needed
The stomach secretes intrinsic factor necessary for cobalamin absorption in the intestine. In removal of part or all of the stomach, cobalamin must be supplemented for life.
True or False?
The structure that prevents reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus is the upper esophageal sphincter.
False
The structure that prevents reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus is the lower esophageal sphincter.
True or False?
The nurse encourages that patient with chronic constipation to attempt defecation after the first meal of the day because gastrocolic and duodenocolic reflexes increase colon peristalsis at that time.
True
True or False?
A drug that clocks the release of secretions from the stomach's chief cells will decrease gastric acidity.
False
A drug that clocks the release of secretions from the stomach's parietal cells will decrease gastric acidity.
True or False?
The secretion of hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen is stimulated by the sight, smell, and taste of food.
True
True or False?
Obsruction of the biliary tract is indicated by increased unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin levels in the blood.
False
Obsruction of the biliary tract is indicated by increased conjugated (direct) bilirubin levels in the blood.